CONTINENTAL DRIFT

High time for new drug law

The Zimbabwean government has issued a notice allowing citizens to apply for licences to grow cannabis for medical and research purposes — making Zimbabwe the second African country after Lesotho to legalise the plant. Previously, people could face up to 12 years in jail for growing or using dagga. The fiveyear licences will be issued only to Zimbabwean citizens who don’t have previous drug convictions.

Buhari goes to Washington

On Monday, United States President Donald Trump met his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari in Washington, DC — the first time Trump has hosted a head of state from sub-Saharan Africa. Naturally, Trump’s infamous “shithole” comment — directed at African countries — was raised by reporters. Buhari, with more tact than Trump has ever displayed, said he was

“not sure about the veracity of the allegations”. But Trump doubled down: “You do have some countries that are in very bad shape and very tough places to live in.”

Odinga about-turns on boycott

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has told his supporters to end a campaign of boycotting products and businesses allegedly linked to the ruling Jubilee Party and President Uhuru Kenyatta, months after he called for the boycott. Some of the companies were targeted for their alleged collusion with the ruling party to deny Odinga a victory in the election — but now Odinga and the president claim to have put their differences behind them.

Burundi president won’t let go